Originally Posted by
Devil_Dog99
Once you have done as mentioned above in assembling your Eff You TSA kit, you will want to consider your transportation. If your car does not have a lot of miles on it, use that (but definitely get it checked out beforehand - oil change, check all filters, brakes, etc.). If you can score a cheap rental, go for it. Make sure the rate is unlimited miles.
Driving in one shot - when I take long drives, I stop to stretch my legs about once every 2-3 hours, or at gas stops. My usual cut-off for hours per day is 9-10 - anything longer and you can run the risk of drowsy driving (plus you will be better off the next day with more rest). Go to walmart (or your local grocer and stock up on snacks - will save you bucks big time).
If you have AAA, you can get a trip-tik for your route, which will show any traffic issues you may encounter as well as list out (not clearly but you can find it) approved restaurants and/or hotels. And stay in name brands. You can get an idea of where you will be at the end of any day and see what is around. My last big trip was Boston-Fort Lauderdale for my Dad's 50th HS reunion. We went Boston-Aberdeen MD-Jacksonville-Fort Lauderdale. I am a marriott guy so I searched for marriott hotels in the Aberdeen and Jacksonville areas and I knew i was in good shape.
Good luck - hava fun - and enjoy sticking it to the TSA!
Cool, will do. Couple points:
-Car is a 2008 Subaru Legacy with ~47K miles on it. Had no trouble so far but I'll definitely check filters and brakes. Also, what about tires? I know the penny test but I'd hate to leave the risk of a blowout to something like an eyeball evaluation - is there a way to get a mechanic to tell me straight if my tires are up for it without getting the hard sell on a new set?
-Re: rental cars/unlimited miles: is there a rental company that's particularly good about this? Also, if I do rent, which cars are good for long drives? I love my Subie and don't have a sports-car fixation, but if there's a certain model that just seems
made for long-distance comfort, I'm open to suggestions.
-Which name brand hotels should I consider, or does it matter? I don't want to blow the money on a Hilton or other high-end place but of course I don't want to get stuck in "Bob and Ethel's Snooze-A-Rama" either. Is there a good middle-of-the-road hotel chain that has clean rooms and decent rates? Also, do they take debit cards? I'd rather not put anything on a credit card if I don't have to.